So just a brief follow-up on my
last blog, as Brock Lesnar's annoyance with the media spotlight continued at today's UFC 100 press conference.
While saying his bit at the beginning, he informed everyone he'd be leaving once he was done speaking and wouldn't take any questions from the press. As Lesnar attempted to split, UFC president Dana White pulled him aside and spoke directly into his ear. Only they know what was said, but Lesnar immediately sat his ass back down and answered all the media's questions.
It's hard to say what Lesnar's motivations are, but these tactics make him look like a big baby. Frank Mir, Georges St-Pierre, Thiago Alves, Dan Henderson and Michael Bisping are all in the same situation he is. They've been running the media gauntlet that comes with being a part of the biggest UFC show ever and have graciously answered all questions from the media. They're no doubt just as tired as he is, but they remain professional about it.
For a sport that used to only receive negative media attention, it's important to accommodate the press if mixed martial arts is to continue to grow. Everyone but Lesnar seems to understand this. However, he only joined active competition within the last few years, when the sport was already gaining momentum.
Guys like Dan Henderson were fighting in small arenas in Mobile, Alabama during the early UFC shows. Henderson knows that how he carries himself now is just as important as how he carried himself when the sport was considered "human cockfighting."
In my predictions, which will go live on Canoe Saturday, I've picked Lesnar in the main event. The man is an incredible athlete and has no doubt improved since his first fight with Mir. However, as a fan I can safely say I want Mir to win.
The champion of any sport is automatically an ambassador and it's clear Brock is not ready for that responsibility.